Senior Drilling Engineer - Subsurface Operations (Remote)

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Executive‑level salary

Health & wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Relocation not required

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer for remote global operations in the Oil & Gas sector. The role focuses on planning, design and management of drilling campaigns from a virtual command center, with emphasis on safety, cost control and performance optimization.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in drilling engineering, deep knowledge of well control, directional drilling, and proficiency with drilling software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years hands-on drilling engineering experience offshore and onshore.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software and industry tools.
• IWCF certification a plus; strong well control knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and execution plans for various well types.
• Perform well design calculations including casing design and trajectory planning.
• Specify drilling equipment and manage contractor performance.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and oversee remote daily drilling operations.
• Implement and monitor real-time drilling data to optimize performance and mitigate risks.
• Ensure adherence to HSE policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage drilling budgets and control expenditures.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and develop solutions.
• Prepare post-drill analyses and recommend improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Remote team collaboration

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Eng

Tools

WellPlan

StressCheck

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join their remote operations team. This position is integral to our subsurface operations, focusing on the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling campaigns. The role is predominantly remote, allowing our client to access elite engineering talent globally. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and managing drilling operations, ensuring adherence to the highest safety and environmental standards. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence drilling strategies and contribute to the success of critical exploration and development projects from a virtual command center. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in complex well construction and a deep understanding of drilling fluid mechanics, well control, and directional drilling techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and execution plans for various well types.
• Perform well design calculations, including casing design, cementing, and trajectory planning.
• Specify drilling equipment and services, and manage contractor performance.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and oversee daily drilling operations remotely.
• Implement and monitor real-time drilling data to optimize performance and mitigate risks.
• Ensure strict adherence to HSE policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage drilling budgets and control operational expenditures.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and develop effective solutions.
• Prepare post-drill analysis reports and recommend improvements for future operations.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in drilling engineering, including offshore and onshore operations.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software (e.g., WellPlan, StressCheck) and relevant industry tools.
• Strong knowledge of well control principles (e.g., IWCF certification is a plus).
• Experience with directional drilling, horizontal wells, and complex well trajectories.
• Proven ability to manage drilling risks and develop contingency plans.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills, essential for remote team collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing drilling operations is advantageous.
• Must be eligible for remote work and comfortable managing operations across different time zones.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering unparalleled flexibility and work‑life balance.
• Our client offers a competitive executive‑level salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and certifications, are readily available.
• You will be part of a globally recognized leader in the Oil & Gas industry, contributing to high‑impact projects.
• The company values innovation and provides a supportive, collaborative virtual work environment.
• Relocation is not required, allowing you to work from your preferred location.